Study Reveals High Prevalence of Violence Against Pregnant and Postpartum Women in Nepal

Kathmandu. Despite the Safe Motherhood and Reproductive Health Rights Act guaranteeing respectful maternity services, a study has revealed that women continue to face abuse and violence during pregnancy and the postpartum period.

This finding was highlighted in the 'Fact-Finding Study on Abuse, Violence, and Rights Violations Faced by Women During Pregnancy, Childbirth, and Postpartum in Nepal,' conducted by the Forum for Women, Law and Development (FWLD).

Advocate Dipesh Shrestha of FWLD presented the findings, noting that more than one-third of women in these stages experience violence. Most victims are homemakers, with perpetrators often being family members, relatives, neighbors, husbands, and, significantly, healthcare providers.

The study indicates that emotional violence is the most prevalent form, occurring in over one-third of cases. Urban women experience higher rates of violence compared to those in rural areas, with pregnant women in Madhesh and postpartum women in Sudurpashchim reporting higher levels of emotional abuse.

FWLD Executive Director Advocate Sabin Shrestha stated that the study aims to document the nature of these violations to help improve laws, policies, and programs, ensuring women can exercise their right to respectful maternity care.

The research surveyed 1,680 women across various municipalities in 14 districts across all 7 provinces. Data shows that 38.4% of pregnant women, 37.9% of those in labor, and 35.9% of postpartum women have experienced violence.

Specifically, emotional violence affected 30.7% of pregnant, 32.7% of laboring, and 30% of postpartum women. Physical violence was reported by 4.5%, 3.2%, and 4.5% respectively, while sexual violence was reported by 16.1%, 9.5%, and 16.4% of women in these respective stages.

Family members and relatives are the primary perpetrators. Husbands were identified as perpetrators by 52.1% of pregnant, 44.9% of laboring, and 47.8% of postpartum women. Additionally, 26% of pregnant women reported abuse by service providers.

The study covered districts including Sankhuwasabha, Morang, Siraha, Dhanusha, Kathmandu, Makwanpur, Lamjung, Kaski, Kapilvastu, Dang, Mugu, Surkhet, Kailali, and Dadeldhura.

Conducted with approval from the Nepal Health Research Council, the study utilized questionnaires based on the seven principles of respectful maternity care. Although the Safe Motherhood and Reproductive Health Rights Act 2075 mandates respectful services, the findings suggest a significant gap in implementation, which participants at a discussion moderated by Advocate Rojina Shrestha described as a failure of the state to address these violations as crimes.